Cosmic

Gotta call them.

Stick specs- STX Surgeon RX2.1, 85 flex, X88 pattern Reviewer Background- 6'2, 215 lbs, limited experience in ice hockey (1 year playing on a team in 1988-1989). I have played a bit of street hockey (very informal/ casual 2 v 2 mostly, sometimes with a goalie, in the front yard when I was a kid). I played some inline hockey- more than ice, way less than I played street. Took up ice hockey again in August 2013, after a long layoff (I played 3 months of pick up, in 1995-1996). I have used this stick 2-3x/week for about 5 months. I bought this stick for 2 reasons: 1) I wanted to try the PureGrip shaft design, and 2) I thought this to be an excellent value stick. The RX2 weights 425 grams, this one weighs 455 grams, for about half the price, with the same blade. So, seems to be a no brainer, until someone else tells me that they want to sponsor me and buy my sticks. Blade - The blade has a nice feel to it. It is thinner than the last blade that I was using (a BASE Hockey blade that I had connected to a shaft), which I like. It seems strong and stiff, but I assume it flexes appropriately when I shoot. I never tried to flex it with my hands; no need to compromise the integrity of it I suppose. The blade itself is neither dampened nor lively. The blade does feel easy to stickhandle with, but it is hard to say if that is due to how easy it is to handle the PureGrip shaft, or the blade itself. The puck does not seem to come off the blade terribly "hot." It is ok, I have scored my share of goals, but I attribute it more to accurate shots (on the occasions that I actually have hit the target) and goalie screens, than to me blasting shots by goalies who are made inefficient due to my blistering shot. The blade has held up well, durability wise. So, although there is nothing about the blade that has me saying, "This is the best blade ever!," I also cannot find fault with it. Score: 8.75/10 Shaft/Flex - This is where it gets interesting. PureGrip technology is epic, for a guy who has mostly played street and inline hockey. One of the more difficult aspects of the game to adjust to for me has been squeezing the shaft to receive passes and shoot. This is not necessary in street hockey when one is using the rubber ball. So, for the first year or so of my comeback, I did not even know about this necessity of squeezing the shaft when working with these aspects of the game. Still, I often do not squeeze the shaft hard enough, even when I remember to perform this action, when using a traditional shaft, as evidenced by the stick deflecting in my hands to flub shots and pass receptions. However, with the PureGrip, I no longer have these issues. I pretty much successfully receive all passes now, unless I mis align the blade, or the puck is bouncing, but neither of these items are the fault of the stick. The dual kick point is another "interesting" feature. I am not yet as sold on it, as I am on the PureGrip. Sure, I score goals, get shots off quickly, and get hard shots- usually not all 3 at the same time though (and I am faaaaaaaaaar from a good player, just saying I have experienced some limited success). It seems that in order to get this aspect of the stick to work with the user, one would need a ton of reps to figure the sweet spots in hand placement and shot type. Regardless, it works well enough, while just using it in an intuitive manner. Although it does not kick as quick or hard, usually, as my Warrior Covert QR Pro, it does, on occasion, kick similarly, when I apparently use the stick in the manner it was meant to be used (or when I get lucky or whatever is happening). Flex is a bit stiff. I was in an 85, and am moving into a 75 tomorrow. Perhaps this is more me than the stick, and I am just coming to awareness of where I ought to be (after having been confused by a number of factors- such as the Oggie Ergo grip adding so much flex when I had previously installed it on other sticks, and since I used a chippy stick previously anyway- the Warrior Covert QR Pro). Score: 10/10 (I am now pretty useless when I use other sticks, as the deflection factor is now more pronounced when I try to take big shots, and receive hard passes.) Stickhandling/receiving passes - like butter, as described above (due to the shaft geometry working seamlessly with the contour of the hand) Score: 10/10 Shooting - Shooting is just ok. I have great control with the shaft, but the kick just seems ok. This could be due to my being in a curve that I have just recently found to be a bit crippling (P88). I am moving into the P28, to be able to shoot off of the toe. Perhaps this will improve this score in the future, and is actually no fault of the stick. So, figure this score to be somewhere between a 7 and a 10; we will see how the next 6 months go. Weight and balance - For the price? 10/10. However, since value is not factored into these ratings, the stick does feel a bit heavier than my QR Pro- nothing enormous, but noticeable. The weight is nicely balanced, though. Score: 8/10. Durability - I have blocked some pretty hard shots at the neck of the stick, thinking as the shot hit, “Why the heck am I blocking shots in pick-up with a $160 stick, in a country that does not sell this stick?” To my surprise, no damage. I have noticed some nicks, that I have filled with epoxy to reinforce. Score: 9.25/10 Intangibles - I cannot go back to standard shaft geometry (again, unless someone wants to sponsor me and try to pry me away from the PureGrip). Score: 10/10 Conclusion - Love the concept, and looking forward to trying a new flex (75) and pattern (X28) in this stick (STX Surgeon RX2.1). I have a vision of my leaning on this technology to bridge the gap between myself and more skilled and experienced players. It may be a fantasy, maybe I am giving too much undue credit to the stick? Perhaps, I will provide another update in 3-6 months. Score: 56/60 Granted, a lot of this close to perfection achievement is due to how much I appreciate the PureGrip. If you have been playing a ton of hockey, are used to the box shaft geometry and may find the new feel to be distracting or unhelpful, then I would not advise this stick. If, however, you are a bit of a newb or more accustomed to street/inline hockey with a lighter puck (ball), then do yourself a favor and pick this stick up (just sample it; but do not buy unless you are feeling it) at the pro shop, and see if you like it.

Grabbed a pair of M8s on clearance; and gonna give the X28 a try. Also trying a new flex (75).

I like how you tell us how many sticks you have. As if, we might be worried in case one might break, how you might get by HAHA! I will follow suit: Helmet - CCM Resistance Cage - TCCM Res 300 (white) Shoulder pads - CCM RBZ 130 LE Elbows - STX Surgeon 500 Gloves - Warrior QRL Pro Girdle/ Shell - Warrior Dynasty/ Warrior Dynasty Shins - Reebok 20K Skates - Easton Mako 2 Sticks - 85 flex STX Surgeon RX2.1 X88; 75 flex STX Surgeon 2.1 X88 and 75 flex STX Surgeon 2.1 X28 pending my arrival home (I have 3 sticks too!)

In motorcycle helmets terminology (oval, intermediate oval, and narrow), I have an intermediate oval to narrow head, which is kind of not a wide head. Wide would be oval. The CCM Resistance fits me perfectly- not sure if it is just a super comfy helmet, or if it is an intermediate oval to narrow fit.

I think he is saying that the body/ skating technique adapts to messed-up-endess (bad sharpening)- like a - times a - = a + kind of thing. So, when a guy whose skating and body has adapted to bad equipment (or, in this case, just the sharpening); and then all of a sudden the guy gets proper equipment, then he has to unlearn the bad habits/ maladaptations. I think I get it.

I like this look much better than a jersey'ed goalie.

Funny about how CCM is promoting the hard plastic as "new tech." I just got back into hockey a couple years ago, so I do not know what was happening in 2005, but I know that my CCM CL and CCM U + 12 shoulder pads both have hard plastic, with vents at the sternum. So, this "Vent Shield Technology" does not seem newly engineered for QLT; they just changed the color of the plastic from red to black, changed the areas of coverage, and are branding it as "new." That being said, I am loving my 130 LE shoulders (I have 2 sets of gear for 2 continents, thus so many pads). The U+12s and CLs have been rock solid as well.

Helmet - CCM Revolution Shoulders - CCM RBZ 130 LE Elbows - STX Surgeon 500 Gloves - Warrior Covert QRL Pro Pants - Warrior Dynasty girdle/ shell Shins - Reebok 20K Skates - Easton Mako 2 Stick - STX Surgeon RX 2.1 (numerous shafts and blade combos as backups; will likely only use the Surgeon RX2 line until/ if/ when a better geometry is developed

X Bionic is the latest sweat management/ athletic performance apparel manufacturer. I first learned of X-Bionic from Sports2K's Show it off section, and then tried some of their stuff. It is actually pretty amazing. I wear the 3/4 Effektor * shown below (or some ektor or Energizer or sth I cannot keep it all straight) compression pants, and afterward, they do something so that you can remain in them, comfortably, and they do something to decrease the post workout tightness/ cramping/etc. I sweat as more than anyone, so I think this is saying something. I have been wearing one of their shirts (MK Summerlight). I do not have such positive feedback for this, as it smells harsh once I sweat into it, and I want to take it off when I am done. Supposedly, the PowerShirt has some anti-smell tech in it, so I ought to be better off with it. Anyway, if you check X-Bionic's site, they are riding Lambo pretty hard right now (which is not really my thing; I like bikes, and SUVs; if the world were like 99% less populated with good roads, and no speed limits, then maybe I would be a sports car guy, but everywhere I have lived, they have just been so non-practical that I never got into them). And of course, X-B have all kinds of videos with sweat tech sort of stuff. I do not know if it does what it is supposed to, or if their science and theories are even legit. All I know, is that I always feel good, after a long skate in these, so I wear them. I am pretty good at stumbling on sites giving 75% off of these things too (at this time last year, Sierra Trading Post was like 73% off and I grabbed a bunch of items). For a lower cost, still pretty good, partial compression, I also use Peresvit * shown below, available on eBay from Ukraine. This shirt is pretty cool, it makes you look more buff than you are, because of the subtle graphics. It does not really compress around the waist though, for whatever reason. It is fine for hockey, but for working out, every time I raise my arms, I would be showing skin around my waist, which is not cool. My pic is lame and does not do the shirt justice; check out eBay to see what the shirt actually looks like. They run big; I am XXL in most shirts, but I am L/XL in Peresvit.

STX Surgeon RX2.1 Warrior Covert QRL Gloves Warrior Covert QRL Pro Gloves CCM Pro Jock X Bionic Power Shirt

In terms of durability, is the RX 2.1 > than the RX 2.0?

+2 for Coffey - I always wanted to try this pattern as well since having gotten back into hockey. However, right as I was getting back into it, this style of curve (closed, mid?) seems to have fallen out of favor. I also like the idea of a tall paddle, as the ice where I play is always chewed up beyond what seems fathomable (thus passes are always skipping).

Any idea when we will have information on this development? (I am infinitely more interested in this "classic closed mid toe" curve than the new Shanahan- a heel that is low in height makes catching fluttering passes impossible; and where I play, all passes flutter):

What's the difference between this P10 Shanahan and the BM09/ PM09? They look alot alike.

I was specifically trying to fit one of the Bauer Hybrid fishbowl with the cage underneath, onto a CCM Resistance. A guy who used to work over at HM said something to the effect of, "Impossible, it used to be a possibility, but Bauer changed their rigging so that this fishbowl had to be used with a Bauer lid." Maybe it is unfair of me to try to determine their intention, perhaps they were just innovating; I think the guy over there maybe put it in my head that Bauer did this to just lock people into their stuff. Whatever, point is, I do not work in the industry, so maybe I know nothing. But judging from the Twitter feud between Bauer and Warrior last year over QR this and that, I don't know, I cannot see a great Meeting of the Minds over Flex Summit happening any time soon (which is fine; we will sort it out). On a side note, I ended up "discovering" the CCM Res 300 Cage (in white; it is perfect, as it whites out the ice and has compressed wire where the eye port is) as a result of being forced out of Bauer stuff, so it was all for the best. If you can get to a HM where they have the stick testing section, then that's a win. I vacation close to the HM in Irvine, and enjy testing out all the new sticks and flexes in their area.

Seeing as how Bauer recently changed their helmets and cages so that they are only compatible with each other (and no longer compatible with the rest of the market, thus stifling us, if we were to try to mix and match helmets and cages), I think it is safe to say that Bauer will not be singing "Kum-Bay-Yah" with the rest of the manufacturers, to ease the burden of the guesswork on the "consumers," as one of their (former?) product line guys likes to refer to us in one of the IW Insight videos. The only flex standardization we can expect, will come from here, I am guessing.

Right on, just trying to figure some preferred specs/ specs I am interested in so I have a bit of a clue, for when we met in June (Nasty R shaft with grip powder matte, somewhere between 80 and 90 flex, Savoy blade). It is pretty nice how you Base seems to have so much available with customization.

Clear powder matte? Or Grip Powder matte? (is like the Warrior velvet ? )

Old guys who post at MSH just want the curve that we grew up with, but with the curve pushed a bit down the paddle, toward the toe. Is the Warrior Gionta as open as the P88? I always thought it was more closed, but you sound like you are finding it to be a bit more open.

I love the Warrior velvet on my Dynasty AXT1 shaft. Is your clear powder matte, or grip powder matte like this?

I cannot edit posts (as mentioned in another forum), so apologies for multiple posts. I just found this in an old MSH thread about curves: This is what I am talking about. A nice, gentle toe curve on an almost closed face (does not need to be 100% closed, then open/ closedness of the Malkin Pro BC71 was perfect- ever so slightly open. This Roberts Pro looks a little more open than the Malkin, but I would prefer this over the Malkin (if I had to choose one), simply because the hook is not so extreme. Note, I am RH (this pic is of a LH), assuming that any curve that is made will become available in RH and LH.

I think that what I am looking for, is the discontinued Warrior Gionta/ Sherwood Smyth, but as I have never actually seen or used these curves, I will spell it out: I. (I and II describe the same thing, from different starting points): A toned down BC71 Malkin Pro. Specifically, if the curve were about half as big, then this would be ideal. Specs that I like about the BC71: Lie: 5.25 Face: CLOSED (so hard to find closed faces; even though the closed face was the only offering when I was a kid, and when I last played hockey from like 1984-1994) Rocker: it's there, but it is not big enough for the puck to slide under the toe on passes and wrist shots (Again, "the blade" that I grew up with, had such a small amount of rocker, that this was something that I never had to worry about, until I got back into hockey recently) Length & Height: seems about average/ medium (just like what I grew up with) The only thing that I would request to change, would be the curve. The BC71 hook is so deep- great for firing wrist shots; I can get huge velocity by spinning the puck along this thing. Stickhandling though, is a bit of an adventure as I need a more straight paddle to move the puck along the ice with. For a super skilled guy wth great hands and proper technique (like Malkin or a pro), I can see how the curve would may not pose a big problem for stick handling. However, I am definitely not a "super skilled guy wth great hands and proper technique," and thus, a toned down curve would suit me better. II. If I were to compare the specs of what I am requesting, with a W88 Warrior Zetterburg (which I currently use, and which suits me pretty decently), then I would say identical in these regards: Lie: Warrior says it is a 4 lie, but I think it is the same as a 5.25 in Base Rocker: I love the W88 rocker- very subtle- big enough that I can rock the blade when needed to handle what comes my way, but not so big that anything slides under the toe. Length & Height: seems about average/ medium (just like what I grew up with) What I would modify: Face: CLOSE IT !! Curve: I would like a reasonable toe curve. Something big enough that I can start my wrist shot at the middle of the blade, and then spin it along a nice little toe curve. Not so big though, that is gets in the way of stick handling. The W88 curve, if moved down to the mid toe area, would like be a little bit big. Something about 1/2 the size of the W88, would be nice. I want the very end to bend a bit more intensely than the rest of the curve, as I theorize that this will let me be more accurate (just a theory, you can see I spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff HAHA). I have seen this on some pro curves or mods, but I do not have a picture. I will be on the lookout for one, and post when I find it.

Height - 6'2" Weight - 215 lbs Pant Size: XL Shell Size: XL Time of use: About 8 months, 2-3x/week Other pants previously used: CCM Crazy Light, Warrior Pro Stock Franchise Level of play: Beer Leaguer Location: In very hot and humid rinks Fit - 6/10 In the store, and in the early usage, I thought these were the best pants/girdle on the market, and could not find fault with them. They fit like a pair of tight shorts, which is nice. The thigh guard's ability to move with my leg is an infinite improvement over the pants that I previously wore (although I have never tried a true girdle, and suspect that the true girdle would be even better). However, once you get skating and sweaty, the shortcoming of the belt closure system become quickly apparent. Most pants offer the skate lace, plus the belt. The other girdle has a nice big piece in lieu of a belt, which offers a more comprehensive close. With the belt, if I cinch it tight, so that the pants hold in place with all the crouching and bending and striding and twisting, then I can get a nice hold, but there is pressure on my waist which I am not thrilled about. If I loosen it up, so that I do not feel this pressure, then I find myself yanking the pants up during faceoffs. According to the size chart, I am between L and XL. In the store, when I tried on a Large, it showed some distress in the mesh around the crotch, and figuring this could become a durability issue, I went with the XL, which still seemed to give a nice snug fit (as it still does). 4 points out of 10 may seem like a lot to deduct, for one area not fitting to my liking. However, after having come to my own senses (that this is the only pant or girdle on the market that uses such a skimpy closure system), I am thinking, "What were they thinking?" Ok, maybe since it is a snug fit all around, Warrior did not think that they would need more than just this belt? I do not know, but I do know that the belt system in the previous girdle had issues (unrelated to my gripe, but issues nonetheless) with its belt closure system. Protection: 7/10 In the thigh guard, tail bone, hip pad, and kidney area, these are pretty solid. However, I would not trust the thin, medium density foam inserts that cover the femoral triangle. Sure, I have taken pucks off of these pads, after having deflected passes when I was forechecking, but I would not trust these to stop slapshots. Weight - 10/10 This thing is feather light. I barely notice it when it is on (and not cinched tightly). Durability - 3/10 On the bright side, the mesh that holds it together, and gives it great breathability and ventilation, has held up. However, the plastic inserts are pressing through the front top area, in multiple places, and require repairs: This is also a successful repair, where the back was splitting: I take very good care of my gear; always drying it after use, and leaving it alone when not being used. So, I chalk this up to "not my error." Intangibles 8/10 If you: -Play Forward and do not plan on blocking a ton of shots. -Play in a hot/ humid rink -Travel with your gear, so that weight is a premium factor when checking gear for airline flights -Do not mind the belt closure system -Are ok with the pants lasting 6-9 months, before you may require another pair Then these pants are perfect for you. However, if you want a pair of pants/ girdle to last longer, and/ or the other items above are not of prime consideration, then I would say look elsewhere. I do not expect these to last much longer, and am debating whether to try the MX3 girdle (for mobility/ snugness of fit to the body) or the QuickLites (for lightweightness, and durability) as my next pair. I will definitely not be buying another Dynasty girdle (although I will still buy Warrior. I do not think that this is a poor quality or manufacturing issue, as much as it is a design flaw, in something that was an innovation, so Warrior is still all good in my book). Conclusion I am happy to have tried these out. If Warrior can fix the belt closure system, beef up the femoral triangle area (perhaps thicker, higher density foams), and fix the issue of the sharp plastic inserts pressing through in the areas noted, then these would be perfect. This pant does some things exceptionally well, and perhaps better than any other pant on the market. However, it comes up short in the areas referenced, for my preferences. Overall score - 34/50 ** Quick note on the Shell: The shell required a quick repair out of the gate, on the velcro closure system (which I understand was an issue for every user that I know of who also used this shell). However, since the repair, everything has held up just find, and I like the mesh in the back for extra breathability. This is my go-to shell, amongst a pro stock Warrior and 2 custom shells that I had made.

I am Right Handed. I am far from a "stickhandler" or dangler; which is why I require something pretty specific. I am presently in a W88, which suits me well enough, I just wish that the face was more closed and that the curve was a bit more toward the toe, as my shots have a tendency to sail exceptionally high with something like a P92, "highish" with my W88 (I have to really focus to bring my shots down), but with the BC71 or the Kovalchuck retail, my shots were pretty much perfect. As mentioned, the BC71 gave me handling issues, and the Kovalchuk retail as well was a problem with handling due to its high lie and complete lack of rocker. (I like a mild to moderate rocker, as in the W88, which is perfect for me.) So yes, I am interested to see what you have in store regarding the closed mid-toe curve. Sounds like a Gionta retail, perhaps? I have never used, but everyone tells me that it would suit my mechanics (or lack thereof). And with the Malkin, of course, I figured you made it for and to his liking. If I had more skill/ hand eye coordination, then I could likely manage the big hook when handling, but what can ya do?